Brentford beat sixth-tier Macclesfield 1-0 after a 70th-minute own goal. For bettors, Brentford’s control and Macclesfield’s second-half fatigue suggest backing Brentford to progress in the FA Cup or a narrow Brentford win in the upcoming tie with West Ham; consider low-margin win or unders markets while monitoring lineups for extra value.
Brentford End Giant-Killers’ Run as Own Goal Decides FA Cup Tie
Brentford advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup of football with a 1-0 victory over sixth-tier Macclesfield, ending the part-timers’ famous run. The solitary goal came in the 70th minute when Sam Heathcote accidentally diverted an Aaron Hickey cross into his own net.
Match Flow: Macclesfield Fight, Brentford Prevails
Macclesfield, who eliminated Crystal Palace in the previous round, matched Brentford through a competitive first half. The underdogs showed discipline and organization but began to tire after the break as Brentford increased pressure and probed for openings.
Turning Point: The Own Goal
The decisive moment arrived when a Brentford cross forced a defensive intervention that went wrong, leaving Macclesfield stunned and Brentford able to see out the remainder of the game. The result reflects Brentford’s persistence and the thin margins that define cup ties.
Road to the Fifth Round: West Ham Await
Brentford will travel to West Ham’s Olympic Stadium for the fifth-round tie on the weekend of March 7-8. Brentford have yet to progress beyond the quarterfinals in this competition, so the club will be keen to make further history. Macclesfield’s coach praised his players’ effort, noting the achievement of competing strongly despite part-time status, while Brentford’s captain acknowledged the difficulty posed by their opponents.
Betting Implications and What Punters Should Watch
The match underlines Brentford’s status as favorites heading into the next round: their control and fitness advantage over part-time opposition suggests backing Brentford to progress or to secure a narrow win.
Punters might also find value in low-scoring/unders markets or tight-score lines. Prior to placing bets, monitor team news, injuries and starting XI announcements for both Brentford and West Ham.
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Brentford will face West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup after dispatching Macclesfield 1-0 on Monday, an own goal ending the fairy tale run of the sixth-tier giantkiller.
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